More friendly matches

On the following morning, Cleiton woke up to the distant sound of children playing in the street. Still drowsy, he got up and headed to the bathroom, hoping that the water was finally back. When he turned the faucet, he was greeted by the same frustrating silence as the previous days. Sighing, he grabbed his phone to check the messages in the class group chat. His teacher had posted that classes were canceled due to the water shortage.

Feeling a mix of relief and unease, Cleiton decided to make the most of his free time by focusing on his daily physical activities. He quickly got dressed and, before heading out, observed the slow movement of the community through the window. Neighbors were carrying buckets, children ran barefoot, and local shops opened their doors with a cautious optimism. The water shortage affected everyone, but the community's resilience was clear.

Lacing up his sneakers, Cleiton left to complete his routine: a brisk walk, followed by a light run, fifty push-ups, and one hundred sit-ups. Each exercise was performed with discipline and focus. His body was responding better to the daily efforts, his muscles adapting to each challenge, and his stamina, boosted by the system's elixir, seemed boundless.

Back at home, he prepared to have breakfast with his father, José, who was also getting ready for work.

"You're getting stronger, Cleiton. I can see it in the way you carry yourself," José remarked proudly. "This dedication will take you far, son. Never give up."

"Thanks, Dad. There's still a long way to go," Cleiton replied, giving a sincere smile as he finished his meal.

Initially skeptical about his son's career in soccer due to his own experiences, José was beginning to change his perspective. He started to follow Cleiton's games more closely, read more about soccer, and discuss tactics with him. This newfound interest was strengthening the bond between father and son, adding a new dynamic to their relationship.

After a few minutes of conversation, José left for work, and Cleiton felt his phone vibrate. It was Cássio, inviting him for a pickup game at the neighborhood court with the guys.

The idea of a light game with friends before training lifted his spirits, so he accepted the invitation and headed to the court. There, he found Nathan, Cássio, and other familiar faces. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the game flowed naturally without the pressures of official training. Cleiton noticed how the daily training and the effects of the system had made him quicker and more precise. Each pass was calculated, and his stamina allowed him to dominate the field, even in a casual game.

After a few rounds, the group decided to keep the fun going and headed to a nearby gaming café to play some **Counter-Strike 2**, a favorite game of theirs. Cleiton's enhanced reflexes made him stand out in the match, achieving a K/D ratio of 26/11. His team won 13 to 7, and the friends celebrated the victory with enthusiasm.

As the sun climbed higher, signaling the approach of official training, Cleiton, Nathan, and Cássio grabbed their bags and made their way to the club. Arriving, they found Roberval, their physical trainer, ready to put them through resistance and strength exercises. Roberval was more than a physical trainer; he was a true mentor to the young athletes. 

With his penetrating gaze and enigmatic smile, he could bring out the best in each player. Beyond physical exercises, Roberval introduced meditation and visualization practices, teaching the athletes to control both mind and body.

Roberval approached Cleiton during resistance training and spoke quietly, "You have a special gift, Cleiton. But if you want to be the best, you need to understand that your mind is your greatest ally. It's what will give you the edge when it matters." Cleiton nodded, taking each word to heart. He knew these lessons went beyond what was taught on the field.

After the intense physical training, Coach Cerqueira called everyone for a meeting on the field.

"Alright, everyone, this weekend we have two important friendlies," he announced, looking intently at the group. "On Saturday, we'll face Oeste, and on Sunday, we'll go up against Serra Preta. I want total dedication from each of you. This is an opportunity to show who truly deserves to be in the starting lineup."

The players exchanged motivated glances at the chance to prove their worth. Cleiton felt a particular determination for these games; he knew this would be a unique opportunity to showcase his improved skills.

The weekend arrived, bringing a mix of excitement and anticipation for Cleiton and his teammates. They understood that these games against Oeste and Serra Preta would be a chance to show how far they'd come and secure key positions on the team.

Vitória vs. Oeste

The field was lit up, and the audience watched eagerly as the first friendly kicked off. Cleiton, focused, recalled Coach Cerqueira's instructions and the system's guidance, concentrating on his upgraded attributes. Beside him, his teammates displayed the same focus, ready to face Oeste.

From the first whistle, Bruno, Oeste's number 10, proved to be a constant threat. More than just a talented attacking midfielder, Bruno was known for his aggressive personality and love of taunting his opponents.

He commanded the midfield with long, precise passes, keeping Vitória's defense on high alert. Cleiton, ever vigilant, positioned himself strategically, waiting for the right moment to contain Bruno.

In the 18th minute, Vitória found an opportunity. Kayque Silva, Vitória's defensive midfielder, intercepted a risky pass from Oeste and quickly sent the ball to Pedrinho, who was free in midfield.

With a graceful feint, Pedrinho evaded a marker and spotted Nathan making a run into open space. With pinpoint accuracy, he delivered a pass to Nathan, who, after receiving it, cut sharply past the defender and finished masterfully into the right corner.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Nathan was surrounded by his teammates to celebrate the opening goal.

But Oeste, led by Bruno, was undeterred. Every time he received the ball, he spread it deep, making biting comments to the Vitória defenders.

"Let's see if you can hold me," he taunted with a mocking grin, casting challenging glances at Cleiton and his teammates. Even after failed attempts, he kept pushing, saying, "Today's my day. You're just extras."

In the 35th minute, Vitória pushed forward again. Cássio, the right-back, sprinted down the flank, taking advantage of a gap in Oeste's defense. When he reached the goal line, he crossed precisely to Nathan, who, completely unmarked, headed the ball firmly into the top corner.

The Oeste keeper stretched for it, but he didn't stand a chance. Vitória extended their lead to 2-0, boosting the team's confidence.

During halftime, Cerqueira used the break to tighten the marking on Bruno, instructing Cleiton and Kayque Silva to focus on shutting down the number 10 and cutting off his dangerous passes. "Don't let him breathe," Cerqueira ordered. Determined, Cleiton nodded, ready for the challenge.

**Second Half**

Oeste returned for the second half with a more aggressive approach, and Bruno, even more determined to unsettle Vitória's defense, ramped up his trash talk. With every challenge, he'd drop cutting remarks toward the defenders. "You're too slow to keep up," he whispered to Cleiton during one encounter.

Irritated, Cleiton tried to ignore him, focusing on the game and using his protective belt to handle intense tackles without flinching.

In the 20th minute, Oeste found an opening. Bruno received the ball in midfield and, with quick precision, nutmegged Claudio Sousa, advancing to the edge of the box. "This is real football!" he yelled before preparing to shoot.

Spotting a narrow gap, Bruno unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. The ball rocketed toward the top right corner, with Jaime Filho stretching but unable to save it.

Oeste reduced the score to 2-1, and Bruno celebrated with more taunts, pointing at Vitória's defense and shouting, "This is just the beginning!"

The tension was high, and Cleiton knew he'd have to stay sharp to contain Bruno. Each play became a showdown, and Bruno's taunts didn't let up. After an altercation with Kayque, he sneered, "You really think you can hold us back?" When the referee asked him to calm down, Bruno responded sarcastically, gesturing and saying, "What, you gonna hold me back too, ref?"

At the 26-minute mark, the referee, fed up with Bruno's provocations, finally showed him a yellow card. Bruno chuckled darkly, muttering something about it being a "kid's game."

Seizing the chance to play on Bruno's arrogance, Cleiton began marking him more intelligently, blocking his passes and stripping him of the ball without fouling, driving Bruno to the edge.

In the 33th minute, Vitória capitalized on a quick counterattack. Pedrinho regained possession in defense and sprinted down the left. He bypassed a defender with a swift move and crossed to Cláudio Sousa, who had positioned himself well in the box. With a well-timed leap, Cláudio headed the ball straight into the net, bringing the score to 3-1.

Oeste kept trying to bounce back, but Vitória's organization held firm. In the 40th minute, Rodrigo, the right winger, received a short pass from Dieguinho, quickly sidestepped the opposing center-back, and delivered a low, precise shot into the left corner.

The Oeste keeper managed to touch it, but couldn't stop the goal, sealing Vitória's 4-1 victory.

As the final whistle blew, Cleiton walked off the field exhausted but satisfied.

Vitória vs. Serra Preta

On Sunday, the challenge was set against Serra Preta. During warm-up, the Vitória players quickly took notice of the imposing figure of Jorge Luciano, Serra Preta's goalkeeper.

Tall, bald, and exuding an air of confidence, Jorge stood out not only for his impressive physique but for a sense of superiority that seemed to intimidate his opponents. Comments about him circulated among the Vitória players, who observed him with a mix of curiosity and admiration. 

"Is he really only 17?" Cássio whispered to Cleiton, with a look of disbelief. 

"I think he's older than Coach Cerqueira!" Cleiton replied, holding back a laugh.

Jorge, hearing the comment, simply smirked as if already accustomed to the awe and disbelief of his opponents. He seemed to enjoy the fame and was clearly intent on making his mark in every match. 

As the game began, Jorge Luciano quickly showed that his reputation was well-earned. By the 15th minute, Nathan had the first real chance to open the score. He received a deep pass from Lucas, cut past the defender with precision, and struck the ball with force.

The shot seemed destined for the back of the net, but Jorge, with a spectacular leap, tipped the ball out for a corner with his fingertips. Serra Preta's crowd erupted in excitement, and Jorge, responding with a confident grin, flexed his arm muscles, proudly displaying his imposing physique to the fans. It was as if he was putting on a highlight reel, turning each save into its own show. 

At the 25-minute mark, Vitória had another opportunity. Pedrinho advanced skillfully along the left flank, evading his marker and crossing to Rodrigo, who headed the ball powerfully toward the goal.

Once again, Jorge Luciano dove, catching the ball with ease and precision. Rising quickly, he gave a quick wink to the crowd, flexing his biceps and sparking another wave of cheers and applause. Cleiton watched with a mix of admiration and frustration; overcoming Jorge Luciano was proving to be a nearly impossible feat. 

Serra Preta's defense was solid, and Jorge, with his showman attitude, dictated the pace, inspiring his teammates to hold firm. At the 35th minute, Cleiton shone by intercepting a quick counterattack from Serra Preta.

He positioned himself with precision and, using his protective belt, blocked the advancing forward, regaining possession and safely passing it back to midfield. But, despite Vitória's persistent attacks, Jorge remained unbeatable. 

The first half ended without any goals. During the break, Coach Cerqueira gathered the team for a motivating talk, instilling confidence that they were on the right track and just needed to keep up the pressure. 

"We're playing well, but we need to be sharper. Keep pressing. He'll give way eventually," encouraged the coach. 

**Second Half**

In the second half, Vitória returned to the field with renewed determination. Cleiton and his teammates knew that as time wore on, the pressure to score would only increase.

At the 30-minute mark, Nathan got another chance. He received a short pass from Rodrigo and fired a powerful, close-range shot with pinpoint accuracy. But once again, Jorge Luciano demonstrated his skill and agility, soaring toward the ball and deflecting it with his fingertips in an acrobatic save.

Rising with a broad grin, Jorge kissed his biceps and made a gesture as if to say he was unstoppable, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. 

Finally, at the 40-minute mark, the decisive chance arrived. Pedrinho received the ball just outside the box from a pass by Gabriel Costa, the midfielder wearing number 8. With a brilliant Marseille turn, he evaded one defender, and before another could reach him, he took a low, powerful, precise shot with the tip of his foot.

The ball slipped just beneath Jorge Luciano's outstretched hands, and despite his full-length dive, he couldn't prevent the goal. The Vitória fans erupted in celebration, and the players gathered around Pedrinho, relieved to have finally beaten the legendary goalkeeper. 

With the final whistle, Vitória's 1-0 victory was secured. Cleiton felt the strain of the game in every muscle, aware that every save, every tackle, and every effort had been crucial to the outcome. 

In the locker room, while the players celebrated, Cleiton reflected on how these games had challenged and sharpened his skills. Figures like Jorge Luciano and Bruno had shown him the level of competitiveness that lay ahead in his future.